Jones received an offer from the RFU on Wednesday and indicated to Western Province he would like to be released from his contract with their Super Rugby side, the Stormers, to take on what he calls "the biggest international coaching job in world rugby".
The 55-year-old was unveiled exactly a week ago in Cape Town, the day after Stuart Lancaster resigned as coach of England.
At the time, he insisted he was not considering the post when questioned about reported English interest in his services.
"Don't believe everything you read in the newspapers. I'm committed to the Stormers. I woke up this morning and looked at Table Mountain... I'm very happy to be here," he told reporters.
Ian Ritchie, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) chief executive, said last week that England would seek to replace Lancaster with "proven international experience" but has seen a number of other candidates fall out of the running.
